Various arrangements of controlling a temperature of an enclosure are presented. A setpoint temperature may be received by a thermostat from a user via an energy management device. The setpoint temperature may indicate a desired temperature of the enclosure. The thermostat may be operated in accordance with the setpoint temperature. Energy consumption associated with the thermostat may be monitored. The monitored energy consumption may be compared to an energy usage profile. Based on such a comparison, at least one adjustment to the operation of the thermostat may be determined that will reduce energy consumption associated with the thermostat as compared to the energy consumption associated with operating the thermostat in accordance with the setpoint temperature.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of controlling a temperature of an enclosure, comprising: wirelessly receiving, at a thermostat associated with the enclosure, at least one setpoint temperature from a user, the setpoint temperature indicating a desired temperature of the enclosure; operating the thermostat in accordance with the setpoint temperature; monitoring energy consumption associated with the thermostat; comparing the monitored energy consumption to an energy usage rule; receiving weather information from an Internet-based host server, the weather information indicating weather for the enclosure; based on the comparing and a received command to conserve energy, making at least one adjustment to the operation of the thermostat that will reduce energy consumption associated with the thermostat as compared to the energy consumption associated with operating the thermostat in accordance with the setpoint temperature, wherein: the at least one adjustment is determined based at least in part on the received weather information; the adjustment comprises decreasing the temperature set by the thermostat below the setpoint temperature prior to a forecasted outside temperature increase according to the received weather information when an air conditioner of an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is enabled; and the adjustment comprises increasing the temperature set by the thermostat above the setpoint temperature prior to a forecasted outside temperature decrease according to the received weather information when a heater of the HVAC system controlled by the thermostat is enabled; and operating the thermostat in accordance with the at least one adjustment.
A smart thermostat controls room temperature by wirelessly receiving a desired temperature setting from a user. It monitors the energy used to maintain that temperature and compares it against typical usage. If a command to save energy is received, the thermostat adjusts its operation based on weather information from the internet. To conserve energy, the thermostat will lower the temperature below the user's setting before a predicted warm-up (when the AC is on) and raise the temperature above the user's setting before a predicted cool-down (when the heater is on). The thermostat then operates according to these adjustments, prioritizing energy savings based on weather forecasts.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving a command from a remote server to conserve energy; and operating the thermostat in accordance with the command.
The smart thermostat described in the previous claim also responds to energy conservation commands from a remote server, in addition to responding to commands received from the user. The thermostat adjusts its temperature settings automatically based on external commands to reduce energy usage. The thermostat then operates according to these adjustments, prioritizing energy savings based on commands from the remote server.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein operating the thermostat in accordance with the setpoint temperature includes taking into consideration a user's perception of temperature.
The smart thermostat described earlier considers the user's comfort level when maintaining the set temperature. It doesn't just blindly follow the temperature setting; it takes into account how the user actually *feels* in the space, allowing the thermostat to tailor its operation to individual preferences for warmth or coolness.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein taking into consideration a user's subject perception of temperature includes querying the user as to whether they feel hot or cold.
To understand the user's comfort level, the smart thermostat described in the previous claims asks the user if they feel too hot or too cold. This direct feedback allows the system to adjust the temperature beyond the initial setpoint, providing personalized comfort based on subjective perception. The thermostat queries the user and adjusts accordingly.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: determining an address of the enclosure, wherein the weather outside of the enclosure is determined based on the address of the enclosure and is acquired over an Internet.
The smart thermostat described earlier determines the location of the building to retrieve accurate weather data for that specific location. It uses the building's address to obtain weather information from the internet, ensuring that temperature adjustments are based on the most relevant local weather conditions. This precise location awareness enables more effective energy conservation strategies.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: tracking an operation history of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit associated with the thermostat; determining that a total operation time of the HVAC unit has exceeded a predetermined threshold; and communicating advice to the user regarding an upgrade to the HVAC unit in response to determining that the total operation time has exceeded the predetermined threshold.
The smart thermostat also tracks the operating history of the connected HVAC unit. If the total runtime exceeds a pre-defined limit, the thermostat advises the user about potential upgrades to the HVAC system. This includes alerting the user if a specific maintenance operation or replacement should be considered for more efficient performance. The system monitors the HVAC system and provides upgrade recommendations.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein communicating advice includes alerting the user to replace a filter of the HVAC unit.
The "advice" given by the smart thermostat in the previous description can include a reminder to the user to replace the HVAC system's air filter. This simple maintenance reminder can improve the HVAC system's efficiency and extend its lifespan, helping the user save energy and reduce costs. The thermostat suggests filter replacement.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving user input to configure operation of the thermostat.
The smart thermostat also receives and processes user input to customize its operation. Users can configure various settings and preferences to tailor the thermostat's behavior to their specific needs and desires, giving them greater control over their home's temperature and energy usage.
9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving from the user a specific period of time during which the setpoint temperature is the desired temperature of the enclosure.
The smart thermostat allows users to specify time periods during which the setpoint temperature should be strictly maintained. This feature enables users to ensure that the room is at the desired temperature during specific times of the day, aligning with their schedules and activities. Users can set a schedule for maintaining desired temperatures.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: communicating, to the user, an advertisement for a product and/or a service that is contextual to temperature management.
The smart thermostat can display advertisements for products or services related to temperature management. These ads are relevant to the user's current temperature settings and energy usage, offering them opportunities to improve their comfort, reduce their energy consumption, or purchase related products or services. The thermostat displays targeted advertising.
11. A system for managing a temperature of an enclosure, comprising: a thermostat including: a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive data through a wireless network; an electrical terminal operatively coupled to an HVAC unit within the enclosure; and a computer processor coupled to the wireless transceiver and the electrical terminal and configured to: receive a setpoint temperature from a user via the wireless transceiver, the setpoint temperature indicating a desired temperature of the enclosure; receive weather information via the Internet, the weather information corresponding to location information for the enclosure; and control the electrical terminal to operate the HVAC unit in accordance with the setpoint temperature; and one or more modules configured to: monitor energy consumption of the HVAC unit; compare the monitored energy consumption to an energy usage rule; based on a command to conserve energy, determine at least one adjustment to the operation of the HVAC unit that will reduce energy consumption associated with the HVAC unit as compared to the energy consumption associated with operating the HVAC unit in accordance with the setpoint temperature, wherein: the adjustment comprises either increasing a temperature set by the thermostat or decreasing the temperature set by the thermostat, wherein: increasing the temperature set is performed as the adjustment based on the outside temperature and an air conditioner of an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system being enabled; and reducing the temperature set is performed as the adjustment based on the outside temperature and a heater of the HVAC system controlled by the thermostat being enabled; and the adjustment comprises decreasing the temperature set by the thermostat below the setpoint temperature prior to a forecasted outside temperature increase according to the received weather information when an air conditioner of an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is enabled; and the adjustment comprises increasing the temperature set by the thermostat above the setpoint temperature prior to a forecasted outside temperature decrease according to the received weather information when a heater of the HVAC system controlled by the thermostat is enabled; and cause the thermostat to control the electrical terminal to operate the HVAC unit in accordance with the at least one adjustment.
A smart thermostat system manages room temperature with a thermostat connected to an HVAC unit. The thermostat receives a desired temperature from a user via a wireless connection and retrieves weather information from the internet based on the location of the room. The system monitors the HVAC unit's energy consumption and compares it to typical usage patterns. Upon receiving an energy conservation command, the system determines temperature adjustments to reduce energy consumption. The system will lower the temperature below the user's setting before a predicted warm-up (when the AC is on) and raise the temperature above the user's setting before a predicted cool-down (when the heater is on).
12. The system of claim 11 , further comprising: a humidity sensor coupled to the computer processor, wherein the computer processor is further configured to receive a humidity reading from the humidity sensor.
The smart thermostat system described earlier also includes a humidity sensor that measures the humidity level in the room. The computer processor receives humidity readings from the sensor and can use this information to further optimize temperature control and energy efficiency. Humidity levels inform temperature adjustments.
13. The system of claim 11 , further comprising: an ambient light sensor coupled to the computer processor, wherein the computer processor is further configured to receive a reading from the ambient light sensor.
The smart thermostat system described earlier also includes an ambient light sensor that measures the amount of light in the room. The computer processor receives light readings and uses this information to further optimize temperature control and energy efficiency, for example, by adjusting temperature settings based on sunlight exposure. Light levels inform temperature adjustments.
14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium, having instructions stored therein, which when executed cause a computer to perform a set of operations comprising: wirelessly receiving, at a thermostat associated with an enclosure, at least one setpoint temperature from a user, the setpoint temperature indicating a desired temperature of the enclosure; receiving weather information from an Internet-hosted server, the weather information indicating weather for the enclosure; operating the thermostat associated with the enclosure in accordance with the setpoint temperature; monitoring energy consumption associated with the thermostat; comparing the monitored energy consumption to an energy usage rule; based on a received command to conserve energy, determining at least one adjustment to the operation of the thermostat that will reduce energy consumption associated with the thermostat as compared to the energy consumption associated with operating the thermostat in accordance with the setpoint temperature, wherein: the at least one adjustment is determined based at least in part on the weather; and the adjustment comprises decreasing the temperature set by the thermostat below the setpoint temperature prior to a forecasted outside temperature increase according to the received weather information when an air conditioner of an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is enabled; and the adjustment comprises increasing the temperature set by the thermostat above the setpoint temperature prior to a forecasted outside temperature decrease according to the received weather information when a heater of the HVAC system controlled by the thermostat is enabled; and operating the thermostat in accordance with the at least one adjustment.
Software running on a smart thermostat controls the temperature of a room. The software wirelessly receives a desired temperature setting from a user and weather information from the internet. It then operates the thermostat according to that setting and monitors energy usage. If it receives a command to save energy, the software adjusts the temperature based on the weather. Specifically, the software will lower the temperature below the user's setting before a predicted warm-up (when the AC is on) and raise the temperature above the user's setting before a predicted cool-down (when the heater is on). The software then operates the thermostat according to these adjustments.
15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14 , having further instructions stored therein, which when executed cause the computer to perform a set of operations comprising: storing time information relating to an operation interval of an HVAC unit; storing a first measurement of temperature associated with a beginning of the operation interval; storing a second measurement of temperature associated with an end of the operating interval; and calculating a temperature drop rate over the operating interval.
The software described earlier also tracks how the HVAC system operates. It records the start and end times of each operating interval, along with the temperature at the beginning and end. Using this data, the software calculates the rate at which the temperature changes during each interval. The software tracks time and temperature data.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15 , having further instructions stored therein, which when executed cause the computer to perform a set of operations comprising: calculating an efficiency for the enclosure based on the temperature drop rate.
Building on the data collection described in the previous claim, the software calculates the energy efficiency of the building itself based on how quickly the temperature drops or rises. This calculation is based on the temperature change rate and indicates how well the building retains heat or coolness. Building efficiency informs HVAC adjustments.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15 , having further instructions stored therein, which when executed cause the computer to perform a set of operations comprising: calculating an efficiency for the HVAC unit based on the temperature drop rate.
Building on the data collection described two claims earlier, the software calculates the energy efficiency of the HVAC unit itself based on how quickly the temperature drops or rises. This calculation is based on the temperature change rate and provides an estimate of the HVAC unit's performance. HVAC unit efficiency informs usage patterns.
18. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: in response to the at least one adjustment, calculating a difference between an actual energy load reduction of the HVAC system and a projected energy load reduction of the HVAC system; and determining a demand response situation is triggered based on the calculated difference.
After the smart thermostat described earlier makes an adjustment to the temperature setting, it compares the actual energy savings achieved to the expected savings. If there's a significant difference between the two, it triggers a "demand response situation," indicating that something unusual is happening with energy consumption. This could signify a problem with the HVAC system or unusual energy usage. Mismatched expectations trigger alerts.
19. The method of claim 18 , further comprising: in response to determining that the demand response situation is triggered based on the calculated difference, operating the HVAC system while ignoring a temperature measured by the thermostat.
If a demand response situation is triggered, as described in the previous claim, the smart thermostat will temporarily ignore the temperature reading from its own internal sensor and operate the HVAC system based on a pre-programmed schedule or a direct command from an external source. This allows the system to prioritize energy conservation even if the local temperature readings are inaccurate. Demand response overrides local readings.
20. The method of claim 18 , further comprising: in response to determining that the demand response situation is triggered based on the calculated difference, transmitting an indication of suspicious behavior to a remote server.
When a demand response situation is triggered, as described two claims earlier, the smart thermostat sends a notification to a remote server indicating potentially suspicious energy behavior. This alert allows the server to investigate the situation and determine if there is a problem with the HVAC system, unusual energy consumption, or a potential security issue. Remote server informed of anomalies.
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August 29, 2014
March 21, 2017
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